Maple Leafs' Auston Matthews, William Nylander linked to Pittsburgh Penguins trade
· Yahoo Sports
Maple Leafs' Auston Matthews, William Nylander linked to Pittsburgh Penguins trade originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
It's not a given that the Toronto Maple Leafs will trade Auston Matthews or William Nylander.
Visit newsbetting.cv for more information.
But if the Leafs want to go into full remodeling mode this offseason, it's not impossible. And if that happens, keep an eye on the Pittsburgh Penguins.
Neither Matthews nor Nylander would come cheap in a deal. The acquiring team would need a lot to send back to Toronto.
On paper, the Penguins have a lot.
The Athletic's Josh Yohe said this in a recent podcast appearance:
"I think (Nylander and Kyle Dubas) do have a good relationship, and I think the Penguins would certainly be equipped to make such a deal, both financially and with the number of picks they have at their disposal. Yeah, and I mean the Penguins would be on the short list if Auston Matthews wants out, I don’t think there’s any question about that, so that’s something to consider."
MORE: Maple Leafs' 9-year streak is officially over
Matthews has two years remaining on his contract. Nylander still has six years on his deal.
Dubas previously served as the GM with the Maple Leafs, and he was around when both star forwards signed their big extensions, before he departed for Pittsburgh.
The Penguins still have the old guard around, led by Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin. It'd be a bold way to move into the future to acquire the clear replacement as a potential face of the franchise in either Matthews or Nylander.
It's not a given that it would work, but it might. It's a headline-grabbing possibility, to be sure.